Meeting held at which it was agreed “to have a canal”. Coincided with the “great canal mania”. Encouraged by publicity from the Lancaster Canal scheme then nearing Lancaster. John Rennie recruited as a consultant. Energetic organising of local dignitaries by Ulverston attorney William Burnthwaite, jnr.. Practical and parliamentary assistance from the Lancaster Canal Co.: prospect of coal being supplied via Lancaster Canal into Ulverston.

1793 (June)

Parliamentary consent to build a cut from Hammerside Hill to Weintend. Supposed that Wilson Bradyll of Conishead Priory opposed thoughts of having the seaward access further west

1793 (August)

Cutting of first sod at Rame with processions and banquet. Scheme included drainage of the Ulverston mosses (and loss of peat sources to townsfolk)

Furness Railway opened from Crooklands and Kirkby talking most slate and much of the iron ore trade for shipping via Barrow

1847

River channel moved across to the Cartmel shore – a mile away from Canal Foot

1847/8

Collins (contractor) Weir built from Kephead to the Black Scars

1849

Use of Canal limited by inadequate water supply via feeder. Suggestions to capture water from Rivers Leven and Crake. Dispute over scheme to add an extension to Collins Weir resulting in an Admiralty enquiry.

1850 (late)

Proposed sale of Canal to John Brogden Jr (“acting for the Furness Railway Co”) for £18,000 not proceeded with

1851

Furness Railway Lindal branch completed now taking most of the Lindal ore to Barrow for shipment. (In 1857 FR carried 561,495 tons of ore and 61,128 tons of slate to Barrow).

1853

Construction of Ulverstone & Lancaster Railway in progress. W & J Galloways foundry on north side of Canal cast columns for the Leven crossing. Site later became a bone fertiliser plant.

1854

Six Bridges constructed across the Canal for the railway, obstructing access to Canal Head to masted schooners. (Problems gaining firm foundation on the ghost of Jane Benson, excommunicated in late 1700s and buried in adjacent copse).

1857

Ulverstone & Lancaster Railway opened (single track). Middle (or New) Basin built to alleviate loss of schooner access to Canal Head. Railway siding provided from west side of Six Bridges.

“Newland” – sailing from Greenodd to the Canal – struck the Leven Viaduct breaking 5 columns – the last of several such incidents

c.1874

FR Bardsea Branch built to serve ironworks but with intention to provide a low level route into Barrow. Drawbridge across Canal with timber fenders to prevent collisions. Western towpath abandoned in favour of Canal Sidings. (? Old rail access to New Basin abandoned)